The First Dance

Werner and Lyndal marry in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple

Johannesburg, South Africa: Two months following his baptism, Werner van Greunen was about to propose to Lyndal van Tonder, the lady he had met and fallen for while working on South Africa’s largest international tourism expo. “When I met Lyndal, I knew this was something special. I knew the way she lived her life would form a great foundation for a marriage,” says Werner speaking about his bride who was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

They had been dating for four months when Werner expressed interest in Lyndall’s faith. He attending church with her and it did not take long before Werner invited the missionaries over for dinner to begin learning about the religion. “Werner had so many deep questions, which kept the missionaries on their toes!” says Lyndal. Werner was baptized two months later at the Sandton Chapel in Johannesburg, South Africa

On the evening of the grand proposal when Werner would ask Lyndal to marry him, Lyndal knew something was special – this was not going to be an ordinary date. Awaiting Lyndal was an inviting red carpet leading to the limousine Werner had arranged. It was joyous with family laughing and cheering for the couple as they entered the luxurious ride.

Sipping on grape juice, they drove to a quaint Thai restaurant. Werner had booked the entire outside veranda amidst the greenery. It was here that Werner went down on one knee, presented the ring and asked Lyndal if she would do him the honor of being his wife. “We were in such high spirits and had an absolutely wonderful evening together,” says Werner.

Werner and Lyndal’s engagement would last nearly a year, because the couple committed to being married in the temple - the Johannesburg Temple. During this time of planning for the wedding, they also decided to learn some new hobbies they could share together. Werner, an already successful business owner took up dance lessons with Lyndal. They learned several new steps, but enjoyed the “boogie” the best. Lyndal, who loves to sing and do anything with crafts, joined Werner in learning how to scuba dive. Now qualified divers, they have been able to do several deep-sea dives discovering a whole new world under the ocean.

After a 13-month engagement including planning their wedding, building a small house for the newlyweds and taking temple prep courses, the big day finally arrived. Although it was wintertime in South Africa, this May wedding brought sunshine and even a little warmth.

With the temple being the focus of their wedding day, Werner and Lyndal proceeded to the Johannesburg Temple situated high on a ridge where they joined their close family, Bishop and two dear friends for the long awaited sealing. “I was totally astounded when I saw Lyndal for the first time,” says Werner. “I couldn’t believe this beautiful woman would be mine for time and all eternity!”

Werner and Lyndal’s temple wedding brought the couple peace, blessings and overwhelming joy. And now it was time to share their excitement at a reception with their invited guests. They chose to celebrate at a Tuscan style villa nestled in the rough hues of true African bushveld with the Crocodile River running along side. It was decorated with white roses and pale gold organza making this celebration classic and exquisite.

Lyndal’s bridesmaids wore crushed mulberry colored gowns and the little flower girls wore pale pink tulle dresses. The three-tier wedding cake was hand created by Lyndal’s Mother and a saxophonist played in the background setting the tone for the evening. The stage was set for the couple to share in their first dance together as husband and wife. Werner and Lyndal danced the rumba and caused cheering and applauding from the audience. “It truly felt magical,” says Lyndal. This performance still brings compliments to the couple.

The wedding day was perfect and well planned, but the honeymoon was a surprise to Lyndal. “The morning after the wedding while we were having breakfast, Werner told me we were going to Mauritius - an island just off the coast of Madagascar,” says Lyndal. A few hours later they were in paradise enjoying snorkeling in the crystal blue waters, dolphin watching and sun tanning on the white beaches. “We will forever keep this trip in our memories,” says Lyndal.

One day, when Werner and Lyndal’s wedding day seems so long ago, they will tell their grandchildren all the details of their temple ceremony, reception and first dance. “It was a magical way to start our lives together,” says Lyndal. “Simply a wonderful fairytale.”

 

Reception Photography Courtesy of

YVONNE VERMEULEN PHOTOGRAPHER

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